The study at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Alabama, USA, indicated that white Americans are more susceptible than African-Americans.

4,572 adults from four US cities, aged 18-30 were tracked for 15 years. 22% of smokers developed glucose intolerance, 17% of non-smoking people regularly exposed to second hand smoke also developed glucose intolerance. The percentage for people who did not smoke and were not regularly exposed to second hand smoke was much lower, 12%.

The 17% figure for non-smokers who were regularly exposed to second hand smoke was higher than 14% for ex-smokers who, after they gave up, were not exposed to second hand smoke.

‘Glucose Intolerance' is when the body can no longer produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar.

This was an ‘observational study'. There were no strict controls over the behaviour of the people. Therefore this study may not be viewed as a final conclusion. Factors such as body weight and age were taken into account.

Thomas Houston, lead researcher, is Associate Professor of Medicine, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Alabama, USA

Source: Diabetes In Control: BMJ April 2006